Schumacher shows pace in GP2 test (includes video)

Michael Schumacher showed signs of pace today, at the the last day of his 3-day test in a GP2 car, in Jerez. He came within 4 tenths of a second of the lap record.

In the morning, wet tyres were needed, but in the afternoon, when the track dried up, Schumacher was able to go onto slicks. He soon showed fast pace, with a best lap of 1m24.621s. This was only 4 tenths of a second slower than the lap record, set by Kamui Kobayashi in October 2008.

Schumacher was very happy about the test, saying:

“I could really drive a lot on this last day of testing and it worked out perfectly.”

“I am very happy with the way testing went here: we worked well, times and consistency were well, we could do everything we had scheduled to do. I feel fit, I felt comfortable immediately back in the car – hey, let’s go for it!”

The GP2 series organiser, Bruno Michel, was also impressed, saying:

“Michael Schumacher’s analysis and feedback was fantastic and the GP2 technical staff who has been working with him this week is positive that what has been learned from this development test will provide us with an even better car in 2011.”

“We are very happy that Michael chose our car to get his sensations back at the wheel of a high performance machine and that he stated that it was the closest thing to a current Formula 1 car. He made a few comments comparing the GP2 and the F1 cars notably regarding their handling.”

“We are now looking forward the second round of the GP2 Asia Series next month in Abu Dhabi and we would like to wish Michael all the best for his return to Formula 1.”